I’ve always loved libraries. There’s something about old and new books stacked alphabetically in bookshelves that bring me so much joy.
Maybe it was Beauty and the Beast library that taught me from a young age how important books are. Or maybe, I just love order. Peace. Quiet. I still say that I would be a great librarian.
Libraries have always been a big part of my life.
I went to the school library before school started since my dad liked to drop me off extra early. (Which I completely understand now as a parent). I studied in the library instead of at home because it just brings me so much calmness. Today was the day that I shared this experience with my daughter.
My Daughter’s First Library Experience
I decided to take her today because my library card needed renewing, which I didn’t even think would happen since I’ve had it for years. We got good news from the doctor and she was feeling better from the cold. Everything just seemed to align to make today the best day to take her.
I’m not going to lie. I was a little bit nervous. My daughter has always been a bit of a homebody, like me. I don’t really take her to a lot of places. Partially because I’m writing this during a worldwide pandemic, but also partially because I don’t really go anywhere myself.
But she loved it.
Just like I thought she would.
She was fascinated by the book covers. The colors. The children’s book selection. She was able to pick her own book to check out, and have her dad read to her. It was decidedly just such a good day knowing that this experience was a positive one for her.
Even though she’s only two, I feel like I learn so much from her every day. These are some lessons from today’s library visit.
Prioritize new experiences
As a homebody and introvert, I don’t really do much. I think this is true especially since I became a mom. It has always been much easier to just keep the kids at home instead of lugging them to different places. Kids come with so much baggage. Literally.
Seeing my daughter experience the library for the first time was great not only for her but also for me. Watching her joy picking out books has brought me joy too.
Don’t care too much about what other people think
I’ve always cared entirely way too much about what other people thought of me. It stopped me from actually living. My daughter went in kinda loud which made me feel stressed out right away. I don’t like unnecessary attention, positive or negative.
What I realized was that no one really cared whether she talked at a higher decibel in comparison to other people there. People really don’t care all that much, which is actually really freeing. I’ve been so paralyzed thinking about other people’s opinions when it truly does not matter either way.
Focus on your happiness
My daughter could literally care less what everyone else thought about her. She wanted to go where the books were. She wanted to provide commentary on the books.
What I did notice was that people started smiling because they were able to experience it with her. Some woman even started talking to her, which I think made her day as well.
Our library experience overall
I really had a good time showing her around even though it was just was only a quick visit.
I checked out Milk Fed by Melissa Broder, which I already started reading and it’s been really promising.
My daughter checked out 5 Minute Princess Stories because she’s currently obsessed with Moana because who really isn’t.
Reading has become a priority for me especially recently. I’ve been trying to avoid having my phone control me and reading has truly been therapeutic.
